Free Comprehensive Developmental Screening

Screening is important because it tells a family where their child is functioning, if early intervention is required and if their child is ready to learn. Most delays can be remediated with early intervention services.

With the help of many community partners, we provide developmental screening free of charge for children 4 months to 5 years. The event is open to families that live in Pinellas County and we are especially trying to reach children who are not in child care. Children who receive a Coordinated Child Care Scholarship or who are in a Head Start program are not eligible for this service as those agencies offer similar services to their families.

Children are screened for:

• vision,
• hearing,
• speech/language,
• cognitive development,
• fine and gross motor development and
• social emotional development.

Parents have the opportunity to consult with therapists and developmental specialists about any concerns they may have. After the screening, families have an exit interview where the results are discussed. If a concern is identified that requires further evaluation, the referral is processed at that time. I've attached a flyer for more information.

Parents should call in at least one month prior to the screening to allow for the amount of time it takes to do the intake, schedule the appointment, and to receive and fill out the paperwork necessary prior to the screening. A screening takes from two to three hours to complete.

Screenings take place at three locations:

• St. Petersburg, at All Children's Education and Conference Building
• Clearwater at Morton Plant Meese Hospital's Ptak Orthopaedic Neuroscience Pavilion
• Tarpon Springs at St. Timothy's Lutheran Church.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Bonnie Touchton at 548-1439 x226 or btouchton@elcpinellas.org.

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